Feet in hammock wearing merino wool hiking socks

Hiking Socks

Picking the right pair of socks makes all the difference on the trail. Whether it's a multi-day backpacking trip or a short nature walk, Darn Tough has the right option for you. Our Merino Wool hiking socks prevent blisters, wick moisture, and keep your feet comfortable on the trail.

Hiking Sock Weights

We knit a range of lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight styles with light cushioning to full cushion options for everyone from the thru hiker to the day hiker to summer walks.

Our lightweight hiking socks are great for summer hiking, hot weather, and walking for exercise. The ultra-fine Merino fibers keep things light and breathable.

Perfect for all-season performance, our midweight styles leverage Merino Wool’s moisture wicking properties to keep even sweaty feet dry in warm and cold weather. These are ideal for backpacking, from quick overnights to long-range trekking.

If you’re looking for a go-to for winter hiking, our heavyweight mountaineering styles will keep your toes warm in extreme cold, and also double as comfy slippers.

Hiking Sock Heights

Consider your footwear when choosing the right height. A good rule of thumb is that the cuff height should always rise to the top of your shoe, as this helps prevent sock slippage.

  • A low cut style, like our no show and quarter crews, pairs well with hiking sandals and trail runners. The ankle height keeps things low profile and airy.
  • Micro Crew socks, our shorter take on the traditional crew height, pair well with boots and can also provide lower-leg protection when paired with low cut shoes. Our Hiker Micro crew is a best-seller know for its great fit and versatility.
  • Boot height and taller styles provide Merino Wool warmth and protection up the calf, ideal for taller hiking boots and mountaineering shoes. 

No matter the height, all our styles are knit with a performance fit to prevent blisters and act like a second skin. 

Unrivaled Durability

Whatever weight, height, and design you choose, your feet will enjoy all the benefits Merino Wool has to offer. We strategically add in Lycra® Spandex and Nylon for unfailing fit and unrivaled durability.

Every Darn Tough sock is unconditionally guaranteed for life. Thru hikers choose them because they hold up mile after mile after mile after... mile. If you wear through them, you can return them for another pair under our Lifetime Guarantee. 

Learn more about what makes these the best socks for hiking and backpacking, whether you're wearing hiking boots, hiking shoes, or trail running shoes. Shop our selection of Men's Hiking SocksWomen's Hiking Socks, and Kids' Hiking Socks.

If you'd like to shop locally, Darn Tough can be found at 1,500 stores across the United States, including REI Co-op, Scheels, Murdochs, Sportsman's Warehouse, LL Bean, Bass Pro, Cabelas, and more.

The Best Socks for Hiking & Backpacking

Thru-hikers have trusted these socks on the trail for years. Day trekkers and people who just like good socks for hiking can wear them too.

Explore Hike

How to Choose Hiking Socks

We guide you through how to choose the best hiking socks for your next hike, whether that’s a quick jaunt to your favorite local spot or a several-thousand-mile-long trek.

Read Blog

What to Wear Hiking

We will cover what materials are best for hiking, the clothing, shoes, and accessories and what to wear by the season as you set out for your hike.

Read Blog

FAQs

Hiking socks are designed to protect your feet while hiking. They’re commonly knit using Merino Wool and should be breathable and moisture wicking. Darn Tough Hike styles are all cushioned, offering enhanced comfort, durability, and the best fit in hiking footwear.

Yes, hiking socks are essential. Good ones prevent blisters and provide extra cushion to help reduce foot fatigue. Darn Tough Merino Wool Hikers are naturally breathable, moisture wicking, and thermoregulating meaning they keep your feet warm even if they get wet.

Merino Wool socks are the best for hiking. Merino’s many inherent qualities – odor resistance and moisture wicking – make it one of the most desired fabrics for hiking socks. Darn Tough Merino Wool footwear is good for hikers who favor performance and active sweat management.

Darn Tough Merino Wool socks are the best to wear with hiking boots. Depending on your boot height, you may want to try our micro crew or boot height. And if Merino’s breathability and moisture wicking properties aren’t enough, our hiking styles are also Guaranteed for Life and stylish, too.

For hiking in the summer, we recommend wearing a lightweight Merino Wool footwear that breathes well. No matter how hot it gets, Darn Tough hiking socks are proven to reduce blisters and keep feet dry while you’re sweating. Plus, we’ve got unique styles that match every summer outfit.